Collision closes Aurora Bridge

A man suspected of DUI caused a head-on collision Tuesday night that closed the Aurora Bridge for hours, police said.

The collision happened shortly after 6 p.m. on the bridge’s north end, and initially only one southbound lake was open. About 6:45 p.m., police estimated the bridge would be closed for roughly two hours as detectives investigated.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that a box truck driven by a 24-year-old male was traveling southbound on Aurora Avenue North,” Detective Jeff Kappel said in a statement. “An SUV driven by a male in his 70′s was traveling northbound.

“Near North 38th Street the box truck crossed the center line and struck the northbound SUV head on causing the SUV to overturn.”

The man in his 70s was rushed to Harborview Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The 24-year-old also was rushed there with -life-threatening injuries.

“The driver of the box truck is being investigated for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs,” Kappel said. “Upon his release from HMC the box truck driver will be booked into the King County Jail for investigation of vehicular assault.”